Besides overloading your machine and using too much detergent, there are some common mistakes you should avoid when doing laundry.
Don’t leave anything in pockets. Check all pockets before washing for things like tissues or coins. These things can damage your clothes and/or your washing machine.
Don’t put fabric softener directly on top of your laundry. Fabric softener should never come in direct contact with clothes as it could stain them. Consult your washing machine manual and find the correct compartment in the detergent drawer for the softener to be placed in – it’s usually marked with a flower.
Don’t leave wet clothes in the drum for a long time. Moisture from wet clothes could result in a build-up of mold in your washing machine drum, or even on your clothes. Remove clothes from the washer as soon as possible after the rinse cycle is finished.
If your washing machine is broken, don’t try to fix it yourself. Minor washing machine problems, such as a blocked water pipe, may be something you can tackle yourself with a little help from your washing machine manual. More serious problems; however, especially anything related to the plumbing or electrics of your machine, should always be directed to a professional.